Toyota was slower than most automakers to move into EV technologies, with its first “real” EV hitting the streets in 2023 as the bZ4X. It hasn’t been the most popular vehicle in its class, offering slower charging and shorter range estimates than many rivals, but that’s changing with the introduction of the 2026 bZ.
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
What’s New for the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland
The bZ received a significant update for the 2026 model year, which shortened its name and addressed many of the shortcomings of its predecessor. The new model features longer range estimates, faster charging, more features, and a new Woodland trim with more ground clearance and beefier tires.
Design
The updated bZ features cleaner styling with smoother lines than its predecessor. Woodland models feature an LED lightbar in front with LED daytime running lights and deeply sculpted sides. The SUV offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance, thanks to heavier-duty tires, and it features black 18-inch wheels exclusive to the trim.
Powertrain
The bZ Woodland features two electric motors with a combined 375 horsepower and all-wheel drive. That combination is good for up to 260 miles of range, and the bZ can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Since it shares most of its underlying engineering with the Subaru Solterra, the bZ offers Subaru’s X-Mode driving system, which changes the all-wheel drive system and other settings to deliver better traction on loose surfaces and off-road.
Charging times improved for 2026, and the bZ now comes with a Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. The SUV can charge from 10 to 80 oercent in around 30 minutes on a Level 3 fast charger, and the ability to access Tesla’s Supercharger network gives owners a far larger number of available charging stations.
Interior
The bZ Woodland seats five people on synthetic leather upholstery. Standard features include heated front seats, a stone brown and black color scheme, and more. A Premium Package is available, which brings a panoramic roof and an upgraded stereo. Cargo space should remain decent in the new model, at around 28 cubic feet behind the back seats.
Technology
Toyota equips a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and the Premium Package adds a JBL audio system and wireless charging. Toyota’s latest infotainment system is a remarkable improvement over the interface seen in previous models, though it’s still not a top competitor.
Safety
The new bZ hasn’t seen the business end of crash-testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it comes with a load of advanced driver aids. They include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and a highway driving assistance system. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.
Pricing and Release Date
As of the time of this writing, Toyota hasn’t released pricing for the 2026 bZ Woodland, but it will likely be one of the more expensive models. The 2025 bZ4X started at just over $37,000.
Further Research on the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and its Competitors
